Decorator Lighting Tips

Decorating Lighting Tips

Decorator Lighting Tip for size of light fixture and ceiling medallion:

How to decide what size hanging light fixture and medallion for your room: Take the width W and Length L of the room and add these two numbers. Use these numbers, but in inches, and this is the diameter for your fixture. (For example, if your dining room is 10'x14'; 10+14=24. Medallion should be 24" or larger.) Select a medallion slightly smaller OR larger (preferably larger)than the diameter of the light fixture. Where to hang? Hang 30" above table in a dining room or kitchen -- add 1-3 inches higher for each foot of ceiling above 9 ft. For Ceiling Fans: Be sure to select a medallion with less than 2 inches of projection from the ceiling. Of all the decorator lighting tips for choosing your fixture, this is the most important.
*Are there any basic decorator lighting tips to use when planning a decorator lighting design?

One basic, but often overlooked rule of efficient lighting is to put light where you need it. However, to insure an attractive, comfortable lighting atmosphere, you must also think about balancing light. It is essential to create an effective spread of light through each room and have it flow seamlessly between rooms. The best way to achieve this balance in a well-decorated room is to layer light sources. The first step to lighting design is to identify the main activity areas or the rooms focal points. Any room with multiple focal points will be the most visually interesting and balanced. This is where the brightest layer of light should be directed. The next step is a middle layer of light that provides interest in specific areas without detracting from focal points. The last layer fills in the background.

The first two layers are supplied by task and/or accent decorator lighting, depending on what is being lit. The third and lower-level ambient lighting is usually indirect like that provided by wall sconces. Once the essential layers are in place the decorative pieces can be added.

Can you add too much light to a room?

Yes you can. When designing with light you must consider all light sources, including natural light. You must also take into account day and evening options.

If you over light a room, the effect will be harsh and uncomfortable especially at nighttime. If you have layered your lighting correctly you need not rely on your decorative pieces for light and lamps with dark or black shades, or chandeliers with dimmer switches are among the lighting options that can be added for fashion without over lighting your room.

In location of lighting, are there other do's and don'ts?

One of the most important considerations in the placement of light fixtures is the glare they produce. Direct glare, as from a bare light bulb, is the worst kind. Always use the correct bulbs to avoid glare and also beware of reflected glare, light that bounces off of other objects into the eyes.

My room seems too big/small? How can lighting help?

The direction in which you point the light can be very helpful. Ceilings can pose problems, or they can become special features. If the ceilings seem too low, bounce light from up-light fixtures (like torchieres) as this can visually raise the ceilings. Cathedral or beamed ceilings can also he highlighted and take on new importance in the overall design of a room with up lighting. Two common problems in older homes are rough or patchy surfaces., and high, cavernous ceilings. To alleviate lighting issues, keep the lighting off the ceiling by using only down lighting (like chandeliers or semi-flush mounts). Imperfections in a surface will be less noticeable without direct light shining on them.

Room dimensions can appear to be altered with the proper lighting. Smaller rooms can look more expansive and large rooms can be warmed with the correct lighting fixtures. Washing the four walls of a room with soft light, combined with a light toned paint can create the effect of a larger room. Conversely, a large room illuminated with a few soft pools of light concentrated on certain objects or areas can make a room feel smaller and more intimate.

What about a narrow room or hallway?

Narrow rooms can benefit by placing lighting on the short walls of the room rather than drawing attention to the long narrow walls. This results in a wider looking space. In narrow hallways choose sconces that project light both up and down the walls and that light both sides of a hallway.

I have a lot of beautiful features in my home, like stonework and silk window dressings. How can I show them off with lighting?

Skimming them with light will highlight textured surfaces, whether it be a soft surface like fabric or a hard masonry surface. Acute angle placement near these surfaces will help achieve this effect.

How can I use lighting to show off the beautiful decorative objects in my home?

Backlighting decorative objects can help accent them. Bouncing light indirectly onto an object can also achieve a pleasant effect. Lighting something from below works particularly well on transparent or translucent items such as glass.

Any tips for my Entryway?

Entries should not be overly lit. The transition from outdoors to indoor can be disorienting. Remember to avoid glare in this area. This is best done with multiple light sources. Make the entry warm and inviting. Lighting is very important here, as it is the point where the first impression is made.

How should I light my Living Room or Family Room?

Living rooms and family rooms benefit from the layered approach perhaps more than any other areas of the home. If a television is present be sure to have soft ambient light to make the viewing experience pleasurable. These rooms are perhaps the most used rooms in a home so remember to avoid glare off of reflective surfaces. Task lighting may also be important in parts of these rooms so think about everything that goes on in these rooms when planning your lighting using these decorator lighting tips.

More Decorator Lighting Tips for your home

Not quite. The chandelier should not be your only light source in the room. Wall sconces, and buffet lamps are some examples of fixtures that can help balance this room. Also, don't forget light by candle, or possibly by fire when planning your dining area.

How do I provide transition light from my rooms to my hallways and staircases?

Hallways and stairs need ample and pleasant lighting, as they are the passageways of the home. Try to make the transition between rooms and passageways as even as possible. Uneven lighting provides a harsh transition. Hall lights should be kept simple, as they are generally narrower areas. Using larger, ornate pieces in passageways can clutter or appear to reduce the size of the passageway. Do not under light these areas however, especially the staircases for safety sake as well as the look.

What general decorator lighting tips should I follow to light the master bedroom?

Bedrooms need the same layering of light as all other living spaces. Reading, television viewing, dressing, makeup application can all take place in the bedroom. Give enough options to have soft lighting to full bright light available in the appropriate areas of the room. Balance is also important but matching both sides of the bed is not always critical. This is often a personal space for more than one person. Each of their tastes can be reflected with complimentary, rather than matching pieces.

I have a home office: how should I light it?

All workspaces must be functional but do not need to look utilitarian or cold. In other words a home office need not look like an office. Make sure to have the proper task lighting in place and again be mindful of the glare factor. Computer screens and shiny desktops can make work areas uncomfortable if glare or shadows abound. Light should come from the side not behind or in front of the worker. Again two lighting sources are better than one to avoid eyestrain.

*This information used with permission from Uttermost. If you would like to learn more about our decorator lighting tips, see Designer Tips for Lighting and Kitchen Lighting Fixtures . For additional decorator lighting tips and to see details on some suggested light fixtures, see our Decorator Lighting Tips choices.

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